Two Riley High School teachers receive Outstanding Project Lead the Way Teacher Award

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Community School Corporation announced two teachers at Riley High School have been honored with the 2024-25 Outstanding Project Lead the Way Teacher Award.

Kristen Haubold, who teaches Principles of Computing, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Website and Database Development, and PLTW Capstone for students in 9-12th grades, and Seth Ponder, who teaches Introduction to Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Digital Electronics, and Engineering Design and Development capstone for students in 9-12th grades, have been recognized as part of a group of 103 teachers across the United States.

School officials say the award celebrates their dedication to providing students with an inspiring and empowering educational experience.

Combined, the duo has spent nearly 25 years teaching at Riley and have been acknowledged for their work in the PLTW Computer Science and Engineering pathways.

Haubold stated, "It means a lot to be acknowledged for the work you put in, especially from colleagues and students who understand and appreciate what you do."

School officials say a unique aspect about PLTW is that teachers are trained to go through the class as students before being allowed to teach it.

“This method helps teachers understand and relate to students by sharing their own challenges. It also shows different ways to solve problems, especially in computer science engineering,” Ponder explained.

The two teachers nominated each other for the award.

Ponder, who was Riley’s Teacher of the Year in 2023, is recognized for his creativity, and commitment to making learning fun and engaging for his students.

You can learn more about the PLTW classes offered at Riley, here.

You can learn more about the PLTW National Awards, here.